Project Awake: A Touring Theatrical Program Created for High Schools

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Justin Harvey, Co-Founder of abrasiveMedia and Director of Project Awake, who shares some of the background for the nonprofit founded in 2004 to help Nashville area artists grow, connect, produce and give back to the community, and then what led to the latest effort, Project Awake. Project Awake is their new touring theatrical program created for Middle Tennessee high schools that helps students prevent bullying, violence, and sexual assault. The show blends dance, acrobatics, martial arts, and acting to depict common challenges students face and the impact their choices can have on others. The show uses that as a catalyst for honest and open discussion among students, encouraging them to make positive social change in their schools. During the interview, Justin talks about Project Awake, it’s impact, how schools can schedule the show, and how the community can support their efforts overall.

• Founded in 2004, abrasiveMedia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that helps Nashville artists grow, connect, produce, and give back to the community
• Project Awake is our new touring theatrical program created for Mid-TN high schools that helps students prevent bullying, violence, and sexual assault.
• National averages for 2022: 1 in 4 students will be bullied, 1 in 5 students will commit self-harm, 1 in 10 students will be sexually assaulted, 1 in 12 will consider ending their own life
• Our program is an experience unlike any students had in their schools. The show blends dance, acrobatics, martial arts, and acting to depict common challenges students face and the impact their choices can have on others. We use that as a catalyst for honest and open discussion among students, encouraging them to make positive social change in their schools.
• There are many organizations and programs that offer incredible opportunities to young people, as well as critical support services. That is not our role. We use Project Awake as a bridge to connect our audiences to existing resources. Our program can be used as an outreach tool for partners that serve young people.
• abrasiveMedia’s mission includes supporting artists. Our cast is incredibly skilled, and we pay them for their hard work. While Project Awake’s overhead is significantly less than a typical touring program, it can exceed some school’s budget for an assembly program. Sponsorships by local businesses, PTA groups, and partner organizations are critical for these schools.
• Project Awake will be performing exclusively in Mid TN high schools for the entire 2022-2023 school year.

Learn more:
Website:     https://www.abrasivemedia.org/  and       https://projectawake.org/

SUBSCRIBE TO GROWTHCURRENT